DIY Valentine's Day Gift

This year I decided to make my own Valentine's Day gift for my 2 year-old son's daycare. I chose something that wasn't candy because I didn't want to step on any parent's toes in case they don't allow their children to have any. Instead, I went with the almighty Goldfish. A favourite toddler snack in my opinion. I've never met one who didn't like them!

This particular gift is so easy and very cheap to make. I think altogether I spent about $3  - $4 on each one.

Here is a list of supplies you'll need:

• Cracker Goldfish
• A small take-out container from Michael's (only $1.29 each), or a small container of your choice.
• Glue or double-sided tape
• Printer
• Scoop/Spoon
• Ribbon
• Bowl

I find that the take-out containers from Michael's work best because they have handles that are perfect for little hands.

Using MS Publisher, I made 1.5 inch label rounds in blue that say "will you o'fish'ally be my Valentine?". If you would like the template, you can access the blue one here. I also made it in pink, which is available here. You will notice that on my son's gift that I typed in his name, but I left that part blank in my templates so you can input any name.

Now for the very easy instructions:

1. Print the templates above (or use your own); cut them out.
2. Wash out your take-out box (or other container).
3. Glue your printed rounds onto the front of the take-out box. Let it sit for a few seconds to ensure it doesn't fall off.
4. Fill the container with Goldfish. Have your kids to help - they will love it!
5. Once the box is closed, wrap a ribbon around it and ensure there is a bow on top.

That's it! How easy is that?

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and that it inspires you. If you have any idea's you'd like to share, let me know and maybe I can feature them on the blog.

Oh, and just remember - try not to eat all the Goldfish before you have to use them!





Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

In my household, we're big pasta fans. Any pasta will do really, but we're pretty big on homemade sauces. I found a recipe from www.allrecipes.com, but after making it a few times I've finally adapted it to our taste.

This recipe makes a large batch; enough for an army of 8 to 10. We are a family of 3. We eat a lot of pasta - just don't tell my new personal trainer that.

Having said that, it is pretty healthy. It has a ton of veggies and we use ground turkey instead of ground beef. Delish.

Here is the recipe (from memory :) )

Stove top: Use a Wok or other large skillet, cook time: 1.5 hours

2 tbsp of oil
1 whole green bell pepper
2 cups of chopped celery (about 4 stalks)
2 cups of chopped carrots
2 cups of chopped mushrooms
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 450 g pack of ground turkey
Pinch of thyme
Pinch of basil
1 can of stewed tomatoes, 14.5 ounce/796 mL
2 cans of tomato sauce, 15 ounce/680 mL
2 cans of tomato paste, 5 ounce/156 mL

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, saute carrots, celery, green bell pepper and garlic in oil until the peppers are tender. Add the mushrooms, ground turkey, thyme, basil and ground black pepper; fry stirring frequently until the turkey is done.

2. Add the can of stewed tomatoes with liquid and reduce heat; simmering until the tomatoes are soft and begin to fall apart. Add the tomato sauce and stir; add tomato paste to thicken. Simmer on very low heat for about 30 minutes or longer depending on how crunchy or soft you like your vegetables, stirring occasionally. Serve over you favorite pasta.

Preparation is key!

Fresh vegetables, yum!

After adding the stewed tomatoes.

Finished product.

I really hope you like this as much as we do. Of course, it can be made without meat and you can use any vegetables you would like. This also freezes well so if you only use it for one meal, freeze the rest for later use.

Enjoy!

My Crazy Cat

I'm sure everyone who has a cat thinks that their cat is some form of crazy, and mine is no exception. I've recently start going to university part-time (on top of my full-time job and my two-year old; yikes!), and when I have the opportunity to work on school work, I will take it. This past Sunday was that day as my husband Doug took our son to two birthday parties. I was sad I couldn't attend, but I really needed to do some school work. Because I procrastinate. A lot.

Well, since our basement renovations are in the last stages (including my new office!), I have to work at our dining room table in the meantime.

Now I love my cat Inca (pronounced Ink-a), not because he's black and was born on Halloween, but because he loves to cuddle and sleeps right next to me. However, he sure does love to get in the way sometimes. Case in point:

 Why aren't you paying attention to me?

Within minutes he was asleep on my text book and I always feel bad for moving him because he looks so cute. Can I blame my procrastination on my cat?

Hey, at least I'm not saying the dog ate my homework!

 Do you have any fun or cute cat stories?



Movie Night Gift Idea

Although Christmas has past, I thought I would show you the gift I put together for our Secret Santa at work. This gift also makes a good gift for your neighbour, friend, or a family member and is good for any occasion. 

I simply took a decorative box (the one I used is from Ikea, but you can also find some nice boxes throughout the year at your local dollar store), then I picked up a few things from Walmart including popcorn, popcorn seasoning, chocolate, mixed nuts, Twizzlers and other candy.

 I then used coloured tissue paper to line the bottom of the box and arranged all items to create a nice display. To finish it off, I scattered some Starburst throughout the box for an added touch.

 

 

Since the box was already decorative, I simply added ribbon and a bow to finish it off instead of using wrapping paper. These boxes are also practical and can be used again.

I have to say that this gift was one of the most 'stolen' gifts during our Secret Santa and was a big hit! The best part of course, is the fact that it all came in for under $20!

I hope you enjoy!

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

So, we're well into the winter season now, and nothing warms my family up more than a nice hot bowl of homemade stew. This stew can be made in the slow cooker, which is my preference, or it can be made on the stove top.

It is chalk full of meat and vegetables, so it is good for every member of your family. Although I do have to admit that my toddler isn't a big fan!

I have adapted the original recipe I found here. Follow the directions below for a truly delicious meal. You will not be disappointed!

Ingredients:
1 small bag of baby carrots. If they are too large, I cut them in half.
3 potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes.
2 lbs of pre-cut stewing beef (1 1/2 sm. packages).
1 cup of beef stock
1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp on salt
1/2 tsp of pepper
1 tsp of paprika
1 sm. onion, diced
4 celery ribs, cut up
2 - 3 tbsp of Bisto Gravy Mix, Beef flavour :)

Directions:
Place all ingredients, except the Bisto, in the slow cooker in the order listed above. Mix to ensure all spices are blended. Cook on slow for 4 - 5 hours (or longer depending on what slow cooker you are using). During the last 5 - 10 minutes, add the Bisto one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add as much as you'd like depending on what thickness you like your sauce. I find no more than three tablespoons work. Without the Bisto, I find the stew to be too watery.

Remove bay leaf, serve with warm buns and enjoy! 

Please let me know how you like it!

October GlossyBox

I received the October GlossyBox a little late this month, thus why I am blogging about it in November. However, this box did not disappoint! It's also good to note that this is the Breast Cancer Awareness box!

I already use the Venus Breeze razor, but this one is just as good. I didn't find any difference between the Venus Breeze and the Venus & Olay, so I'll continue to use the Venus Breeze simply because it's cheaper.

This full size MODELCO Flipstick Lip Duo sells for $38.75, so I am so happy it came it my GlossyBox this month. The shine ultra lip gloss is such a nice colour, but it goes on thick so I don't particularly like it.

This ZOYA nail polish in Scarlet is my favourite item this month. Not only is it the perfect colour to support breast cancer awareness, but it looks so cute. I have many variations of this shade and I love it. The ZOYA brand nail polish however, is by far the best quality and the longest lasting compared to other brands such as Cover Girl, Revlon and Essie.

What did you get in your GlossyBox this month? 

September GlossyBox

Are you a Glossy yet? If not, you're missing out! GlossyBox contains 5 deluxe beauty samples that are delivered to your door each month and contains the crème de la crème of international brands and tried-and-true favourites. All it costs is $21 a month - you just can't beat it.


I just signed up in late September and it has quickly turned into one of my favourite things. I'm a bit late on my posting, but that has given me a chance to really try some of the products.

This box was pretty nice and not to mention the cute packaging! The Dark Shadows makeup collection came with eye shadows, blushes, highlighters, lip gloss, and eye liner and the quality is pretty great. However, my favourite item is the B. Kamins Bio Maple Lip Balm. I have pretty dry lips and this lip balm makes them feel so nice and moist. It's probably the best moisturizing lip product I've ever used and works great under lipstick. If you haven't tried this particular product yet, I highly recommend it.

The Wella Shine Spray is just OK. It definitely adds shine, but be sure not to add too much as it will weigh your hair down. Even when I only used a small amount, I also found that it made my hair feel more oily. I don't normally use any finishing spray though, so maybe my hair just isn't used to it.

To learn more about GloosyBox, click here!